Key theories and theorist Flashcards
Crime Control Model: Links
Functionalism (Durkheim)
Right realism
Functionalism
A theory suggested by Durkheim that states society requires shared norms and values in order to function
Right realism
Individuals make a rational choice to commit crime, and emphasises tough control measures to reduce crime
Due Process Model: Links
Labelling theory
Left realism
Labelling theory
Suggested by Howard Becker that a persons behaviour and self identity is influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them
Left Realism
The thought that crime is a result of a capitalist society and a more fair society would decrease crime
Internal Forms of Social Control
Psychoanalytic theory (Sigmund Freud) Socialisation Rational ideology (Clarke and Cornish 2006)
Psychoanalytic theory
the importance of the unconscious mind in behaviour and decision making
Socialisation
Values and norms are gained through socialising
Rational ideology
An idea or belief that will achieve social control
External Forms of Social Control
Skinner operant conditioning (Agencies can reward or punish to achieve desired behaviour) Right realism (Coercion and fear of punishment)
Control theories
Travis Hirschi: Social Bond Theory
Walter C Reckless: Inner and outer containment
Skinner operant Conditioning
Associative learning where a desired behaviour is promoted or discouraged through reward or punishment
Social Bond theory
Attachments to social activities families and peers as well as shared values and norms are what discourage people from crime
Containment theory
A mix of psychological and social factors are what discourage people from crime
Aims of Punishment: Links
Right realism: the punishment should fit the crime
Social learning theory (Bandura) reoffending rates after prison are a result of prisons being a ‘university of crime’ where prisoners learn and further criminal behaviours from one another
Marxism suggests that the working class are policed more than the ruling class and this is reflected in the harsher sentences they receive
Left Realism: Punishments are a practical way of reducing crime
Functionalism: punishments is a means of achieving social control
Does a left realist approach to prisons help
Bastoy Norway prison has a focus on rehabilitation and uses a less stereotypical approach to prison life to do so, the prison produces a significantly lower recidivism rates than prisons in the UK implying that a left realist approach and focus on rehabilitation within the prisons themselves may better achieve social control
Token economy used in prison can exercise control over prison inmates
Limitations or agencies trying to achieve social control.
Social learning theory: prisoners will learn from their peers, this specifically is known as differential learning (Sutherland) this limits the amount of social control than can be achieved by agencies and also creates a cycle of crime Marxism- Laws are necessary to protect the working class from the ruling class which is where the human rights act comes into play Functionalism: social control is Limited because crime is needed for change to occur (gay rights, suffragettes)
